Latest learnings

Oh I am so uninspired today. So totally uninspired. Even the bright zinnias I bought at the farmer’s market did not enliven any creativity. But, ah! Farmer’s market! That’s because it is day 3 of my Eat Like an Adult effort. This is an attempt to stop getting deathly sick every 3 months. Hoping a few more vegetables and a little less licorice might motivate my immune system from its current death slump. I also ordered the vitamins you recommended, Hads.

Kelly, I loved your post today about 10 things you had learned in 1o days. Made me think what – if anything – I have learned in the last 10 days. Not sure there are 10. In fact these are less learnings and more random musings, and sadly much less wise and thoughtful than yours, Kelly!

1. A week in bed is definitely not all bad. I did not feel bored at all. I also did not make any substantial dent in The Stack, sadly enough (no, immune system and universe, I am not asking for yet another retreat-into-bed illness).

2. It is both possible and really, really lovely to reconnect with an old friend after some years of ebb tide. A true friend is one where you can jump right back in.

3. Brie + guacamole + sauvignon blanc = a balanced dinner.

4. I have no idea what I think about the H1N1 vaccine and the mercury and the rushing the whole thing to market. I do not know what to do re: the children and welcome any and all input. I’ve never gotten them even regular flu shots as my pediatrician has always generally convinced me not to, but this year he has changed his tune so they will get those. But the swine flu specific one? My gut is saying no.

5. I am relearning and rediscovering my passion for Planned Parenthood through agreeing to co-chair the annual Cambridge house party. I really do dig that organization and everyone I’ve met who is involved. I’m honored to co-chair though as usual tremendously uncomfortable asking for money.

6. 3 weekends in a row away from home = 2 too many

7. I will not be running the BAA 1/2 marathon on October 11th. Very sad. In fact I wonder when I will ever run again. I’m still coughing a little and generally feeling exhausted.

Seven. Random. All I’ve got today.

Swine Flu By the Numbers

Number of days in bed: 5.5

Number of times I left the house in 5 days: 3

Number of books read: 2 (pathetically low, indicating what a mess I was)

Number of naps taken per day: 2-3

Number of times I threw up from coughing so hard: 3

Highest fever: 99 (who knew?)

Days without drinking any alcohol: 6 (a many-year record I suspect)

Number of family members infected: 0 (so far, but oh, accomplishment!)

Speed my car was moving when I pushed my children out the door to school each morning: 5 mph

Bottles of nyquil demolished: 1.5 (cherry is really gross)

Lectures from Hadley re: vitamins & my immune system: 1

Sunday

Frightening. Grace brought this photograph home from yesterday’s “rock star” party. I think she looks 16. Terrifying.
Luckily Whit remains 4 and a total ham. Notice the bedhead, not remotely subdued by midday. We went to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (has been one of my very favorite books since childhood, and both G & W also love it). I’ve never seen a movie in 3D before! Whit kept pushing his glasses on his head like a headband, and I kept hissing at him, “Whit! Put on your shades!”

Picture Day

And that’s how Whit got to school. I didn’t quite understand the jocular smiles I was getting from other parents this morning until I walked into the classroom and his teacher exclaimed, “It’s picture day!”

Oh.

Right.

Grace was similarly “au naturel” this morning and both were wearing tee shirts (and I know for a fact that Whit’s was stained).

Oh well. My au naturel kids.

Really hot sauce

When I got home tonight, Whit (with his balls, above) informed me that now he was really hot sauce, since he had put on his (girls) red flip flops. Excellent.